Champhai, October, 2026 : The Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena visited Champhai today and inspected various developmental projects on site. He was accompanied by Horticulture Secretary Pi Maria CT Zuali, Champhai Deputy Commissioner Pu Mohammad Aaquib, Champhai Superintendent of Police Pu Gavit Gogna, and other officials.
The Chief Secretary first visited the Keilungliah Reservoir, where he held discussions with officials of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) regarding the reservoir’s utilisation and potential for further development. Construction of the Keilungliah Reservoir began in 2018 and was completed in 2023. It is used for fish farming, irrigation, and meeting the water requirements of Champhai town.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary emphasised the importance of proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the reservoir. He urged the officials concerned to explore further opportunities to maximise its benefits for the local community and ensure a sustainable water supply for Champhai town.
He subsequently visited the ongoing construction of the Passion Fruit Processing Unit, which is being built with funding from the North Eastern Council (NEC). He inspected the machinery already installed at the unit and reviewed the progress of the work with the officials concerned.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need to ensure that the project is completed on time and that the machinery is properly installed and made operational. He also encouraged the officials to ensure that the facility benefits local passion fruit growers by providing better processing opportunities, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating avenues for greater income generation.
The Chief Secretary also visited the Champhai Winery at Tlangsam, where the staff explained the various activities carried out at the facility. The Champhai Winery was established under the initiative of the Horticulture Department and is managed by the Champhai Grape Growers’ Society.
Commercial wine production at the winery began in 2010. The facility has a production capacity of 38 metric tonnes and produces two varieties of wine: Champ Wine and Champ Wine Premium.
During his interaction with the staff, the Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of supporting local grape growers, making effective use of available resources, and promoting Champhai’s agricultural products to generate employment and strengthen the local economy. He was informed that a proposal for the upgradation of the winery and the promotion of vineyard tourism would be submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC). He assured the officials of his support in facilitating the proposal.
